Grammar Tips & Tidbits

Acronyms & Initialisms

We use abbreviations every day when we're writing. Most of you know that abbreviations that are pronounced as words are called
acronyms -- think of NATO, AIDS, or OPEC. But did you know that
abbreviations that are pronounced one letter at a time are called
initialisms? According to The Gregg Reference Manual, 10th Edition
(¶501), abbreviations like FBI, HTML, IBM, and DVD are technically initialisms, not acronyms. That's a new one for me! Apparently not every
grammar authority makes this distinction, so don't feel bad if you have
never heard the term "initialisms" until now.

When you're using acronyms, you need to watch for
redundant phrases. Be sure that you do not follow an abbreviation with a
word that is already part of the abbreviation. A perfect example of a
redundant acronym is PIN number. You wouldn't say "Personal
Identification Number number," would you?

So just remember to shave off that last unnecessary word when using
acronyms and initialisms, and you'll be fine:

I hope you don't
forget your PIN the next time you're at the
ATM!

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